Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,518▲ | $88,653 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.00▲ | $42.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,730▲ | $60,278 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,724▲ | $84,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,224▲ | $97,993 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,005 | $103,156▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $2,865 (3.23%). Fayetteville's median is -11.10% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $37,275,Fort Smith spans $42,878. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($103,219 effective) pays 3.03% more than Fayetteville ($100,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,518/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,156)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,219)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fayetteville grew 28.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$67,670 (2020) → $87,210 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$77,050 (2020) → $84,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov